Long Shadows Vintners 2016 Poet’s Leap Riesling, $20
Crisp and well sculpted, this version offers aromas and flavors of pear, apple, apricot and honeysuckle interwoven with white flower, citrus and spice notes. A slight touch of effervescence lends appeal on the clean and refreshing finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 4,900 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
Long Shadows Vintners Julia’s 2016 Dazzle Rosé, $20
This Rosé of Pinot Gris was sourced from The Benches Vineyard in the Horse Heaven where the fruit is left to hang until it develops a bright tint. The grapes were whole cluster pressed and the clarified juice fermented slowly at cool temperature in order to retain its vibrant aromatics and flavors. Fresh and refined, there’s a light savory edge running through stylish flavors of white cherry, watermelon rind and strawberry notes. Hints of rose water and saline minerality pick up on the bright and juicy finish.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Production: 9,776 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
Nine Hats 2015 Red Wine, $20
Initially, there was one Nine Hats wine, a red blend created from Long Shadows’ declassified barrels. As of late, the brand has come out of the “shadows” with a portfolio of eight wines under the Nine Hats label overseen by Long Shadows’ director of winemaking and enology, Gilles Nicault.
Blend: Syrah (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (41%), Merlot (7%) and Malbec (2%).
Smooth and supple, with a mix of spiced cherry, red berries, cocoa powder and loamy earth notes corralled by fresh acidity and ultra-fine tannins.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Production: 5,240 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
Nine Hats 2016 Riesling, $14
Sourced from German clone plantings and some of the oldest Riesling vines in the Columbia Valley, this appealing version offers good depth. Lively and refreshing, brimming with expressive aromas and flavors of pear, nectarine, jasmine and limestone minerality.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Production: 2,617 cases
Alcohol: 13.4%
Nine Hats 2016 The Benches Vineyard Pinot Gris, $14
Sourced from the same vineyard as the fruit that goes into Julia’s Dazzle Rosé, the fresh aromas of pear and honey blossom combine on the palate with a core of wet stone minerality joined by citrusy notes of lemon and grapefruit flavors that race through the dry, refreshing finish.
Editor’s Choice – Recommended
Production: 4,954 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
Websites: www.longshadows.com and www.ninehatswines.com